Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young says the federal Minister for Water must inform South Australia’s Lower Lakes communities about when they can expect $10 million worth of bioremediation programs to be rolled out.

The Greens negotiated $10 million of new money for bioremediation as part of the February stimulus package. Bioremediation is planting or mulching of soil that has become acidic due to drying out, trials of which have proven successful for the Lower Lakes.

“The window of opportunity is closing to make a real difference to the Lower Lakes,” said Senator Hanson-Young.

“I asked Minister Wong today for an update on the implementation of bioremediation programs, as promised by the Government at the Greens’ request in the last stimulus package.

“However, the Minister could not provide me with a solid commitment on when the programs will be implemented, or when the local green jobs involved will be created.

“This bioremediation lifeline was negotiated back in February, and it’s now June. The Lakes cannot wait.”

Senator Hanson-Young said the program should be implemented as soon as possible, given the success of bioremediation trials in the area.

“Seeding for bioremediation must happen sooner rather than later, to buy the Lower Lakes some precious time.

“Local green jobs should also be prioritised for this Government, with its ‘jobs, jobs, jobs’ mantra.

“The $10 million bioremediation program, like other water programs negotiated as part of the stimulus package, must be rolled out as soon as possible to help those who are struggling to keep afloat in the lower reaches of the Murray.”